HARRY W. NICE, GOVERNOR. 1247

20. In addition to the powers conferred upon an authority
by other provisions of this Article, an authority is empowered
to borrow money or accept grants or other financial assistance
from the Federal Government for or in aid of any housing
project within its area of operation, to take over or lease
or manage any housing project or undertaking construct-
ed or owned by the Federal Government, and to these
ends, to comply with such conditions and enter into such
mortgages, trust indentures, leases or agreements as may be
necessary, convenient or desirable. It is the purpose and
intent of this Article to authorize every authority to do any
and all things necessary or desirable to secure the financial
aid or co-operation of the Federal Government in the under-
taking, construction, maintenance or operation of any housing
project by such authority.

21. The property of an authority is declared to be public
property used for essential public and governmental purposes
and such property and an authority shall be exempt from all
taxes and special assessments of the city, the State or any
political subdivision thereof; provided, however, that an au-
thority shall pay to the City or political subdivision of the
State (a) a sum which is fixed by said City or political sub-
division to be paid to it annually by the authority in respect
to each housing project in lieu of taxes; or (b) a sum, if any,
which said City or political subdivision has agreed to accept
in respect to a project or projects in lieu of taxes; provided
further, however, that the sum to be paid to the City or
-political subdivision shall not exceed an amount equal to
the regular taxes levied upon similar property.

In the event that an authority, set up under the provisions
of this Act either by a City or a County, takes over the
Federal Project in Prince George's County, known as Green-
belt the provision of this Act limiting the amounts payable in
lieu of taxes shall not apply and such payments shall be
subject to agreement between such authority and the public
body involved.

22. At least once a year, an authority shall file with the
Clerk a report of its activities for the preceding year, and shall
make recommendations with reference to such additional leg-
islation or other action as it deems necessary in order to carry
out the purpose of this Article.

In each County of the State there is hereby created a pub-
lic body corporate and politic to be known as the housing au-
thority of the county; provided, however, that said housing
authority shall not transact or exercise its powers hereunder
until or unless the Board of County Commissioners shall de-